Dispersed camping options around Clarington, Pennsylvania extend beyond the Allegheny National Forest, with additional opportunities in nearby state forest lands and wildlife management areas. Many sites accommodate tent setups year-round, though winter campers should prepare for temperatures that frequently drop below freezing between November and March. Surface conditions throughout tent campsites near Clarington vary with seasonal rainfall patterns, typically receiving 40-45 inches of precipitation annually.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Hector Falls offers a rewarding hiking destination near the Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite area. "There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations," notes one visitor, though cautioning that "the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop."
Winter hiking: Cold-weather camping provides unique experiences on trails throughout the region. A camper at Wolfkiel Run Shelters reports, "The track from the carpark to the campground is beautifully graded making it easy to pull a sled in with extra supplies. The walk in is less than a mile (~15min)." Winter visitors can experience solitude with proper preparation.
Swimming access: Several tent campsites near Clarington connect to swimming opportunities in warm months. At the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River, accessible spots along the riverbank provide cooling options during summer heat. One camper simply describes the area as having "Large sites well shaded," making it comfortable even during warmer periods.
What campers like
Genuine privacy: Many dispersed sites offer significant separation from other campers. At Danner Primitive Campground, "There are 8 sites spread out along the edge of the river, some being closer together than others. They are level and clear, each with a new picnic table and nice fire rings with adjustable grates."
Scenic isolation: Tent campers appreciate the remote feeling of many sites, especially on weekdays. At Private Island w/ Paddle Moor Co., "The island has cleared trails to get to the campsite which seem to be maintained very well and on a regular basis... The land around the island is very quiet also."
Cooking amenities: Fire setups at many sites include practical features for meal preparation. At Wolfkiel Run Shelters, "The shelter fireplaces have hooks for hanging pots and pans over the flames," allowing for more cooking options than standard campfire rings.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to dispersed sites varies greatly by season and recent weather. At Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, one visitor noted seasonal challenges: "We stayed here in March, so there weren't leaves back on the trees yet which meant we could see the road (and the road could see us). Not a huge deal, just not very private. It was also extremely muddy."
Navigation challenges: Finding unmarked dispersed sites can be difficult without proper directions. At Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, one camper warned: "A little hard to find, decided not to stay. On the same road as hector falls," while another noted "Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you."
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active in forested camping areas throughout the region. One camper at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite shared a direct experience: "I was meditating in my car one evening and a bear stood up and pushed against my window. Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night. The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in your camp!"
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: For families new to primitive camping, certain sites offer gentler introduction. Mountain View Camps provides "Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
Nature viewing: Wildlife spotting opportunities abound for children. Private Island camping offers unique evening experiences: "When it was dark (pitch black) you could see all the fireflies. To be honest that was like a show in itself and made it also worth every penny of how beautiful it was."
Educational opportunities: Historical sites near camping areas provide learning experiences. At Mountain View Camps, families can "explore the ruins on the game lands" as part of their outdoor adventure, combining recreation with historical context.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Limited options exist for larger rigs in the immediate Clarington area. At Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, one RVer advises: "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160... Great hiking/biking. The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts RV accessibility significantly. An RVer notes: "I would give this a 5 star if it didn't rain so much. Howe's ace hardware is about 10 miles away with a dollar general across the street."
Directions for larger vehicles: Specific routing helps prevent access issues. The same RVer provides detailed guidance: "To get here, take Hwy 6 just east of Warren. Turn left on Kinzua road. Go about 8 miles. Stop at the Kinzua dam about 5 miles in. Turn right. Go about a mile and a half, turn right towards Jakes Rocks."
